City Parks Tennis Court Mix-Use Update

Here's a letter sent out from the city with an update for alternative tennis court use. Not looking great for us, and no courts in our area seem to be in consideration.



DATE: October 25, 2010

TO: Board of Park Commissioners

FROM: Dennis Cook, Parks Athletics Manager

SUBJECT: Proposed Criteria for Allowing Alternate Use on Tennis Courts


Requested Board Action
This is a follow-up paper on the proposed change of use for some of Seattle Parks’ tennis
courts to allow non tennis activity. The Board held a public hearing at its September
23rd meeting. At the October 28th meeting we are asking the Board for a
recommendation on criteria for identifying courts suitable for alternate use.

Project Description and Background
Due to the increasing popularity of activities such as dodge ball, bike polo, in-line skating
and street hockey, Seattle Parks and Recreation has endeavored to find locations to
accommodate these sports. Parks initially proposed allowing non tennis court activities
on tennis courts that were determined to have low use for tennis.

However, identifying tennis courts as “low use” has been a challenge. Parks keeps data
only on permitted use of courts and does not have the ability to monitor drop-in use.
(Permits are used to reserve courts to insure use for schools, camps and sometimes
individuals.) Therefore, Parks is recommending using the term “alternate use” rather
than low use.

Staff is recommending a three tier eligibility criteria (Attachment A) which will be used
to identify courts suitable for alternate use. The criteria describe first tier, competitive
tennis courts that would be persevered solely for tennis use. Second tier courts would not
be subjected to bikes, skates and sticks that would damage community center /recreation
tennis courts. The third tier of courts has the ability to withstand bikes, skates, sticks and
other play and there are other courts nearby for tennis play. Examples of courts that
would fall in each tier are provided.

Public Involvement Process
The Board held a public hearing September 23, 2010. A large number of e-mails and
letters have been received regarding alternate use of tennis courts. As of Friday, October
22nd the department had received 137 pro alternative use letters and a petition in support
of dodge ball with 631 signatures; and 67 letters against alternative use and a petition
with 52 signatures. Additional correspondence on the issue will be forwarded to the
Board as it is received.

Additional Information:
Dennis Cook: dennis.cook@seattle.gov



Changing Tennis Courts to Alternative Use Courts
Eligibility Criteria

• Geographic dispersal of court locations throughout the city
• Proximity to other tennis courts
• Maintenance history and general condition of the court
• Court surface material
• Frequency of use by tennis players
• Demonstrated high demand for alternative uses



• Color Coated
• 3 or more courts
• High school practices/matches
• Highly permitted
• Other courts within 1.5 mile radius

Examples of courts that represent the Major Tennis Complexes: Lower
Woodland, Meadowbrook, Lincoln Park

• Two or less courts
• Color coated
• Concrete with asphalt topcoat
• Other courts within 1.5 mile radius
• High school practices only

Examples of courts that represent the Community Center / Recreation Courts:
Jefferson, Rainier, Green Lake East, Cal Anderson

• Two or less courts
• Concrete surfaces
• Non color coated
• Other courts within 1.5 mile radius


Examples of courts that represent the Neighborhood Courts: Judkins (south Seattle on I-90 cap), Hutchinson (south of Seward Park), Cowen (Ravena/U District), Dearborn Park (Beacon Hill)

Court Alternate Use Decision Process

1. Request initiated by non tennis user group to department for an alternative use;
2. Park staff determination that court meets suitability for alternative use;
3. Public notification of proposed change in court use: Parks posts a sign at the
facility or a mailing to surrounding neighbors identifying the proposed change to
the courts;
4. Allow 30 days for comments;
5. Review of comments;
6. Decision made by the Superintendent; and
7. Implement evaluation process to determine effects of change of use.

RULES
Similar to tennis court standard rules
Participation policy
Code of conduct
No alcohol
No smoking
No Dogs

FEES
No fees for drop-in use
Similar to tennis fees for court reservations

Additional facilities that may be considered as alternatives to tennis courts
Parks outdoor basketball courts
School District Property (playgrounds )
Parking lots